Prince William misses his 'wonderful children' while in Africa but is looking forward to something rare

By Jessica Pollack

September 26, 2018

Prince William is on a visit to Africa this week with a focus on conservation, and his travels come with a perk to which many new parents can relate! The duke opened up about his wife Kate and their three kids - Prince George, five, Princess Charlotte, three, and five-month-old Prince Louis - on Wednesday (Sept. 26) as he kicked off his solo trip in Windhoek, revealing that there's one rare pleasure he plans on enjoying to the fullest.

“My visit to Namibia this week is focused on conservation. This is an issue very close to my heart, and I know is a matter of deep pride to you all as well.” — The Duke of Cambridge, at a British High Commissioner’s reception in Windhoek 
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"I'm delighted to be visiting Namibia for the first time," he said while speaking at the British High Commissioner's reception. "I am only sorry that my wife Catherine is not able to join me. She is immensely jealous, particularly as I am looking forward to a few good uninterrupted nights' sleep this week, away from my wonderful children." Naturally, this scored a few chuckles from sympathizing parents in the audience.

The future king then spoke about the important cause behind his visit, something that has long been a focus for the 36-year-old prince. "My visit to Namibia this week is focused on conservation," he explained. "It's an issue very close to my heart and I know is a matter of deep pride to you all as well. Your country is famous for its beautiful environment and its wildlife." As patron of Tusk, William will have a first-hand look over this week of the organization's conservation efforts in Namibia and Tanzania.

And it's a good thing he's clocking more sleep than usual, as the Duke of Cambridge was up at the crack of dawn on Wednesday to look for black rhino on a 5 am trek with rangers in the Kunene region. It took five hours, but the group finally spotted the endangered animal, not to mention a few elephants and giraffes. “I was staggered by the beauty and sheer remoteness of this incredible landscape," said William. "And I was humbled by the dedication of the rangers who protect the unique population of desert rhino from poachers.”

As he experiences rare experiences like this and sees the animals in his children's storybooks, Prince William is surely missing his family back at home. We're guessing he'll be loading up on souvenirs for the little ones, who are busy learning fun skills in school back home. Princess Charlotte is dabbling in poetry and pottery at Willcocks Nursery School, while Prince George is getting used to more homework and 10 minutes of reading per night at Thomas’s Battersea. Duchess Kate is enjoying the last of her maternity leave with little Louis, and is due to return to royal duties next month.

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